HR Benefits Specialist (HEOa)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and four years’ related experience required.
• Experience in Human Resources department of City of University of New York (CUNY) College, or unionized, higher education environment preferred.
• In-depth knowledge and experience in benefits administration.
• Strong work ethic and ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard employee information.
• Ability to interact and work collaboratively on a team in assisting diverse faculty and staff members.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact with all levels of staff exhibiting professional discretion, confidentiality, and high ethical standards.
• Ability to take direction and work proactively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power point, and Access), Outlook, and PeopleSoft or other Human Resources Information System.

Responsibilities

• Designs and administers employees' benefits orientation, open enrollment informational sessions, and employee meetings related to benefits including but not limited to health insurance plans, pension plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, supplemental annuity accounts, dental programs, employee assistance programs (EAP), leave and transit benefits.
• Affords assistance with activities related to worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance.
• Maintains an in-depth understanding of CUNY rules and regulations, relevant laws and guidelines, collective bargaining agreements, and College policies, and applies these to his/her areas of responsibility.
• Advises faculty and staff on Human Resources benefits policies and procedures; responds to inquiries and provides timely resolution of issues with a high level of customer service.
• Provides retirement information and determines eligibility for retiree health benefits and pension.
• Facilitates and conducts orientation sessions/workshops for new employees and informational sessions as needed.
• Tracks Health Care eligibility for part-time employees.
• Manages the data integrity of benefits records and provides assistance with all benefits related audits and logs.
• Reviews termination paperwork and COBRA eligibility.
• Serves as the liaison with Office of Labor Relations, (OLR), CUNY Central Benefits, Payroll Offices, TIAA, New York City Teachers' Retirement System (NYCTRS), and New York City Employees Retirement System (NYCERS) the PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund and other welfare funds, employee assistance program (EAP) and health insurance carriers.
• Provides service and salary history for the retirement systems.
• Aids in special projects and performs related duties as assigned.